§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) US authorities and (b) the Coalition Provisional Authority about the establishment in Iraq of a representative body similar to the Loya Jirga in Afghanistan to replace the Iraqi Governing Council. [138891]
§ Mr. RammellMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had frequent meetings with US authorities and representatives of the Coalition Provisional Authority, at which a range of issues relating to Iraq are discussed. The formation of the future government of Iraq is a matter for the Iraqis. On 15 November, Jalal Talabani, President of the Iraqi Governing Council, announces a new plan for establishing a Transitional National Assembly formed through democratic caucus elections at provincial and local levels. At this point, the IGC will dissolve. There will also be an elected Constitutional Convention, leading to full national elections for a new representative Iraqi Government by the end of 2005.
§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are to alter the national flag of the Iraqi state. [139051]
§ Mr. RammellAny future alterations to the national flag of Iraq would be a matter for the Iraqis.
§ Mr. GodsiffTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the coalition administration in Iraq has maintained full income and1304W expenditure accounts in respect of (a) sales of oil generated under the UN Oil for Food programme when it was in operation and (b) subsequent sales of oil on the world market; and if this information will be published. [134992]
§ Mr. RammellMaintaining accounts of Iraqi oil sales under the United Nations Oil for Food Programme is a matter for the United Nations. Sales of Iraqi oil on to the world market since the liberation of Iraq have been undertaken by the Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organisation, 95 per cent. of revenues from oil sales have been transferred immediately to the Development Fund for Iraq for use in the reconstruction of Iraq, and 5 per cent. has gone to the United Nations Compensation Commission as required under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1483. The accounts of the Development Fund for Iraq are subject to audit by the International Advisory and Monitoring Board (IAMB), comprising representatives of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, United Nations and the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development. The IAMB will make public all reports produced under its terms of reference.
§ Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether UN Security Council Resolution 1483 permits the 100 per cent. purchase by foreign companies of all Iraqi economic sectors, excluding only natural resources. [135762]
§ Mr. RammellResolution 1483 authorises the Coalition to undertake activities to promote economic reconstruction in Iraq, in co-ordination with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General CPA Order 39 on Foreign Direct Investment permits up to 100 per cent. participation in a new or existing business in Iraq, but does not allow for foreign direct and indirect ownership of the natural resources sector involving primary extraction and initial processing. In addition, this Order does not apply to banks and insurance companies. Foreign direct investment is an important means of promoting employment opportunities and improving social welfare. This Order creates the conditions for much needed capita] to enter the Iraqi economy.
The Government are therefore satisfied that Security Council Resolution 1483 provides a sound legal basis for the policy goals of the CPA Foreign Investment Order. We have also satisfied ourselves through UK officials working within the CPA, and the office of the UK Special Representative for Iraq that co-ordination with the UN has taken place, in consultation with the International Financial Institutions. The Order was approved by the Governing Council and had the support of the Minister of Finance.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what patrols UK Navy vessels are undertaking to prevent illegal smuggling of oil off the Iraqi coast; what progress has been made in stemming the trade; and if he will make a statement. [139681]
§ Mr. StrawI will write to the right hon. and learned Member and place a copy in the Library of the House.
1305W
§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the method of election of the Government of Iraq. [140150]
§ Mr. RammellI will write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the conflict in Iraq on the war on terrorism. [140171]
§ Mr. RammellI will write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.